Obituary for Roberta Dee Cucchiaro-Lay
Roberta “Dee” Cucchiaro-Lay
Middletown, NY
On April 1, 2007, Roberta conquered her courageous 17 year battle against the debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis at home, holding hands with her devoted companion, Richie, and surrounded by her last surviving Great Dane, Kira, and her punk cat, all whom she loved very deeply.
Born in Manhattan, Roberta attended Julia Richmond High School and John Jay College. She served for 32 years as an Administrative Aide for the New York City Police Department. Dee worked in the Operations Unit of Patrol Borough Manhattan South along with a small team that coordinated operations for all major events and disasters that occurred south of 59th Street. Although she had many M.S. related falls and injuries, Dee continued to commute from Circleville to Manhattan because she needed the respite from the pain of the disease.
On October 26, 2002, Roberta sustained a fall and subsequent discovery of a blood clot; she was confined to a hospital bed and wheelchair, yet continued to pursue her passions for reading and current events. She remained in contact with lifelong friends, never complaining, but enjoying life through their adventures and always bolstering their spirits. Since she couldn’t do volunteer work herself, she continued to support various Orange County organizations by letting Richie be her “legs”. Without Dee’s guidance, encouragement and sacrifice, he wouldn’t have had the time, nor the energy to devote. The flexibility of these agencies provided Richie with respite care during trying times. Both Richie and Dee are grateful.
In March of 2005, she spent 10 days in O.R.M.C. with a life threatening infection, yet she surprised the staff and doctors when she wheeled out to go home for 2 more years. On October 12, 2006, she returned to O.R.M.C., and remained there until December 21, 2006, battling numerous infections, pneumonia and undergoing major surgery. Again, despite all odds, she returned home to be with her animals under the compassionate care of Hospice Nurse, Dawn and her teammate Eva. They all became friends at their first meeting. This was a testament to some of her many endearing attributes ; her sincerity, contagious laugh, warm smile and ability to win people over.
Dee is survived by her daughter, Daria of Arizona, sons, Robert of Athens, GA, and Philip of Punta Gorda, FL, and her devoted companion Richie, at home.
She was predeceased by many of her beloved animals, most recently, her Great Dane Dakota, who was euthanized on September 27, 2006.
Together Dee and Richie endured every obstacle life laid before them and never succumbed to feeling sorry for themselves. Their philosophy, “Life is too short, and when one team member falters, it is up to the other one to fill in the support”. Their love will continue through eternity. A statement from Richie stated, “What Dee showed me in courage, I could sell in a bottle and make millions- but knowing her made me a millionaire”.
Honoring Dee’s wishes, there will be no visitation, nor flowers. Roberta, an avid animal lover, requested memorial contributions be made to either the Middletown Humane Society, 142 Bloomingburg Rd, Middletown, NY 10940 or Pets Alive No-Kill Sanctuary, Blumel Road, Middletown, NY 10940. Because of the excellent quality of care they gave to Dee, contributions to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550.
A memorial service for Dee will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc.
Read More
Middletown, NY
On April 1, 2007, Roberta conquered her courageous 17 year battle against the debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis at home, holding hands with her devoted companion, Richie, and surrounded by her last surviving Great Dane, Kira, and her punk cat, all whom she loved very deeply.
Born in Manhattan, Roberta attended Julia Richmond High School and John Jay College. She served for 32 years as an Administrative Aide for the New York City Police Department. Dee worked in the Operations Unit of Patrol Borough Manhattan South along with a small team that coordinated operations for all major events and disasters that occurred south of 59th Street. Although she had many M.S. related falls and injuries, Dee continued to commute from Circleville to Manhattan because she needed the respite from the pain of the disease.
On October 26, 2002, Roberta sustained a fall and subsequent discovery of a blood clot; she was confined to a hospital bed and wheelchair, yet continued to pursue her passions for reading and current events. She remained in contact with lifelong friends, never complaining, but enjoying life through their adventures and always bolstering their spirits. Since she couldn’t do volunteer work herself, she continued to support various Orange County organizations by letting Richie be her “legs”. Without Dee’s guidance, encouragement and sacrifice, he wouldn’t have had the time, nor the energy to devote. The flexibility of these agencies provided Richie with respite care during trying times. Both Richie and Dee are grateful.
In March of 2005, she spent 10 days in O.R.M.C. with a life threatening infection, yet she surprised the staff and doctors when she wheeled out to go home for 2 more years. On October 12, 2006, she returned to O.R.M.C., and remained there until December 21, 2006, battling numerous infections, pneumonia and undergoing major surgery. Again, despite all odds, she returned home to be with her animals under the compassionate care of Hospice Nurse, Dawn and her teammate Eva. They all became friends at their first meeting. This was a testament to some of her many endearing attributes ; her sincerity, contagious laugh, warm smile and ability to win people over.
Dee is survived by her daughter, Daria of Arizona, sons, Robert of Athens, GA, and Philip of Punta Gorda, FL, and her devoted companion Richie, at home.
She was predeceased by many of her beloved animals, most recently, her Great Dane Dakota, who was euthanized on September 27, 2006.
Together Dee and Richie endured every obstacle life laid before them and never succumbed to feeling sorry for themselves. Their philosophy, “Life is too short, and when one team member falters, it is up to the other one to fill in the support”. Their love will continue through eternity. A statement from Richie stated, “What Dee showed me in courage, I could sell in a bottle and make millions- but knowing her made me a millionaire”.
Honoring Dee’s wishes, there will be no visitation, nor flowers. Roberta, an avid animal lover, requested memorial contributions be made to either the Middletown Humane Society, 142 Bloomingburg Rd, Middletown, NY 10940 or Pets Alive No-Kill Sanctuary, Blumel Road, Middletown, NY 10940. Because of the excellent quality of care they gave to Dee, contributions to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550.
A memorial service for Dee will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc.
To plant a tree in memory of Roberta Dee Cucchiaro-Lay, visit the Tribute Store.
Loading...